Terina J. Hicks: What is the name of your company, and what services or products do you offer?
Jamal Etienne-Harrigan: The Smokey City’s 412 BBQ is the name of the company. We split the brands we offer, with 412 BBQ now being only Food/BBQ based and then Uncle Jammy’s being the Sauce and Dry Rub lines.
TJH: Why did you decide to start this particular business?
JE-H: I decided to start the business back in 2008 when I lost my job at Quaker Steak and Lube. I had been making sauces for friends since 2005. I finally made it official in March of 2015.
TJH: What obstacles did you face in a startup; what resources did you use?
JE-H: Cash and lack of knowledge were the most significant obstacles; they go hand in hand. Anytime you start something from nothing, the R&D is going to be off the charts and expensive; working with food and consumables makes it even more difficult. I used two different SBDC in two cities. I visited with SCORE, URA, Paramount Co-Op, Riverside Center for Innovation, and of course, the Business Center at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh. I believe beyond all else, you should max out all free resources before you attempt to quit your day job. I have a new appreciation of the phrase, and I understand why – because people aren’t aware of everything a business needs to produce to cover your paycheck and benefits.
TJH: Why did you choose this organization to assist you with your business needs, and how were they able to help?
JE-H: I went to several organizations over the 5+ years in business, but it’s only been at this point where I have been aggressive in assimilating relevant information. Each organization had a part in upgrading our knowledge. We received funding from the URA, which required a business plan (they provided outside consultants to help with Technical Assistance). We also used Paramount Co-Op to polish the plan we initiated with the University of Pittsburgh. The Business Center at Carnegie Library is where we received help with traditional and technical data related to our field. Riverside Center for Innovation assisted with the review of the fundamentals, we revised our business plan, relearned about other segments of our business (e.g., accounting, insurance, sales and more), to refine our approach.
TJH: How long has the small business resource department been in existence at the Carnegie Library; what services are available for small/startup businesses; are these services available at all library branches?
JE-H: I can’t tell you how long they have been in existence, but I can tell you the Book-a-Librarian program is what I used, and it was well worth it. I couldn’t have compiled raw data alone without the Library’s assistance. I believe they offer this program at their branches.
TJH: Where can our readers find your products, and do you plan to expand?
JE-H: Our products can be ordered online at www.UncleJammys.com. You will find our products at Whole Foods (Wexford and South Hills), Tom Friday’s Meat Market (Brighton Heights), Olive Tap (Strip District) and, Janoski’s Farm (Clinton); keep checking our website as we are at work to place our products in more area stores.
TJH: Share your contact information with our readers.
JE-H: The Smokey City’s 412 BBQ | P: 412-944-2974 | UncleJammy@412BBQ.com |
www.412BBQ.com | www.UncleJammys.com
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2020). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
